Kremlin reveals content of meeting between Mr. Putin and Mr. Trump's special envoy
Russian President Vladimir Putin held an hours-long meeting with White House Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, in which the sides discussed “aspects related to the settlement of the Ukrainian conflict,” the Kremlin said, but declined to provide further details.
Mr. Witkoff arrived in Russia on April 11 and met with President Putin in St. Petersburg. The meeting lasted more than four hours, and the specific content of the discussions remains secretive both Moscow and Washington.
However, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt mentioned the visit during a press briefing when asked by reporters about the purpose of Witkoff's trip to Russia.
The visit is aimed at facilitating direct communication between the US and the Kremlin, as part of a broader effort to negotiate a ceasefire and a peace deal in the Ukraine conflict, Leavitt said.
This week, the Trump administration faced growing internal divisions after Reuters reported that Mr. Witkoff had proposed a ceasefire plan that would recognize Russian control over four eastern regions claimed by both Moscow and Kiev.
In a White House meeting with President Donald Trump last week, Witkoff argued that recognizing Russian sovereignty over Lugansk, Donetsk, Zaporozhye and Kherson was the quickest way to end the war, according to Reuters. However, General Keith Kellogg, Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine, reportedly objected, stressing that Ukraine would not accept complete territorial concessions.
The meeting reportedly ended without any decision from Mr Trump, who has repeatedly said he wants a ceasefire before May. After the meeting, Witkoff headed to Russia for talks with President Putin.
The incident has deepened the rift within the Trump administration, as officials continue to argue over how to end the conflict in Ukraine, according to Reuters. Witkoff’s approach – which he shared in an interview with Tucker Carlson in March – is said to have raised concerns among both Republican lawmakers and US allies.
“These are Russian-speaking regions,” Witkoff told Carlson of the eastern territories. “People there participated in referendums, and the majority expressed a desire to join Russia.”
Several Republican lawmakers reportedly reached out to National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Secretary of State Marco Rubio to express concerns about Witkoff's views, criticizing him for “playing up to Russian rhetoric.”
A recent dinner with Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev – who has previously been sanctioned by the US – also caused controversy. The meeting was originally scheduled to take place at Witkoff’s home, but was moved to the White House due to security concerns.
Despite the criticism, Witkoff has received strong support from Mr. Trump and some administration officials. National Security Adviser Waltz praised his efforts, citing Witkoff’s business experience and recent diplomatic work, including helping to secure the release of American citizen Marc Fogel from Russia.
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